Protective game piece cover and faceplates

ABSTRACT

A customizable game piece including one or more faceplates and a protective cover is disclosed. The protective cover can be a flexible jacket. Roll performance for dice on different surfaces, in particular, can make the selection of materials for protective covers and faceplates difficult. The protective cover can be disposable per use, adapted for long term application, can comprise a pliable plastic cover, can comprise a harder plastic cover, can comprise multiple components, can be transparent to allow the original finish of the game piece to be visible, can be colored for aesthetic value, or to combinations of the same or the like.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/029,270, filed Feb. 15, 2008,entitled “Electronic Dice.” The present application incorporates theentirety of the foregoing disclosure herein by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, filed herewith, entitled “Electronic Dice” incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game pieces such as, for example,gaming dice. More specifically, the invention relates to configuring andprotecting game pieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game pieces are used in board games, computer games, video games, roleplaying games, games of chance, and other games. One type of game piece,a die, is polyhedral object used for generating random numbers or othersymbols, used in association with games or gambling. A die or aplurality of dice is thrown or rolled so that the sides of thepolyhedron move about until the die or dice come to rest. At rest, thepolyhedral then indicates the generated number, numbers, symbol, orsymbols. Games traditionally employing the use of dice include boardgames, tabletop games such as backgammon, and gambling games such ascraps and sic bo.

The use of dice in games can be enhanced by relating the generatednumber, numbers, symbol, or symbols, to one or more aspects of gameplay. Traditionally game sellers have packaged dice with differentiatingfeatures such as colors, number of sides, markings, or other features.For example, a board game might include red dice for use in one aspectof game play and white dice for another aspect. Another example might bea game including dice with numbers indicated on the faces for use in oneaspect of play and dice with a number of symbols or colors for anotheraspect of game play.

The surface on which dice are rolled and surrounding area can impact theroll results. Dice can also damage objects on which or proximate to thesurfaces on which they are rolled. The surfaces on which dice or rolledor objects proximate to the roll location can also damage dice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on some or all of the foregoing, there is an industry need fordice with differentiating features and to protect the original shape andfinish game pieces and surrounding areas against damage generallyassociated with normal use. A need also exists for a straightforward,easily portable, protective device for reducing damaging dings and chipsconsistent with both short and long term normal use. Aspects of thepresent disclosure include a game piece cover and faceplates forcustomizing game pieces. In an embodiment, a customizable game pieceincludes one or more faceplates and a protective cover. In anembodiment, the protective cover is a flexible jacket.

Aspects of the present disclosure further include the selection ofappropriate materials, shape, and markings of faceplates and protectivecovers. Roll performance for dice on different surfaces, in particular,can make the selection of materials difficult.

In an embodiment, a protective cover is placed over some or all of theedges of a game piece. For example, in the instance of a die, a covermay comprise a pliable rubber jacket that friction fits over one or moreextremities. In an embodiment, the pliable jacket may be pre-formed tosubstantially match a particular game piece, or may be shaped togenerically fit multiple game pieces and/or brands of game pieces. In anembodiment, the protective cover comprises a transparent material suchthat the finish of the game piece is readily viewable through the cover.In other embodiments, the cover may be colored for aesthetic value. Inan embodiment, the cover can remain on the game piece without changing,or at least without substantially changing or impacting the gameperformance piece.

In some embodiments, the protective cover comprises a plastic or othertype of enclosure (including without limitation, wood, metal, cardboard,glass, fabric, leather, rubber, rubber-like materials, combinations ofsome or all of the previous, or the like) having at least one open sidefor accepting the shape of a particular game piece. In an embodiment,the cover may include a pivot point capable of opening the enclosure toaccept, for example, a multi-edge extremity of a game piece. Oncepositioned, portions of the plastic enclosure pivot around, for example,a hinge, and snap closed over the game piece. In an embodiment,components of the plastic enclosure may include an attachment mechanism,such as, for example, a detent and catch, or the like (such as a velcrotype attachment), for releasably securing the enclosure around portionsof the game piece. In still other embodiments, the hard plasticenclosure may comprise a multi-component enclosure that, for example,removably snaps fits together to form an appropriate protective cover.In still other embodiments, the enclosure may be flexible to allow theuser to manually stretch it over the game piece, with the device heldonto the game piece by the force of the device as it tries to return toits natural state.

In other embodiments, the device may be made to attach to any edge of agame piece that may be at risk of damage from accidental contact. Theprotective cover could be tape or a material that is cut or terminatedto fit a game piece and the selected portion to be protected. In anembodiment, the protective cover does not substantially affect rollperformance. In an embodiment, the protective cover encourages betterrolling by, for example, increasing the grip on a rolling surface. Theremay be a sliding scale for roll performance depending on, for example,price, application, market, material type, weight, size, or otherfactors. In an embodiment, a protective cover approximately maintainsthe center of gravity of the game piece when positioned on the gamepiece.

A need also exists for customizing game pieces for use in additionalgames. In an embodiment, reversible faceplates attached to a die. Thefaceplates can include different indicators on each side, allowing foruser customization and enhanced game play. For example, in the instanceof a die, a faceplate may comprise a plastic piece that friction fitsover one or more sides. In an embodiment, the faceplate may bepre-formed to substantially match a particular game piece, or may beshaped to generically fit multiple game pieces and/or brands of gamepieces. In an embodiment, the faceplate comprises a reversible accessorywith number indicators on one side and a different indicator on theother side. In other embodiments, the indicators may user definable. Inan embodiment, the faceplate can remain on the game piece withoutchanging, or at least without substantively changing or impacting thegame performance piece, such as the roll characteristics of a die.

In some embodiments, the faceplate comprises a plastic, wood, metal,rubber, composite, or other type of material. In an embodiment, thefaceplate may be adapted to receive screw or other attachment aid tosecure the faceplate to the game piece. In an embodiment, components ofa game piece may include an attachment mechanism, such as, for example,a detent and catch, or the like (such as a velcro type attachment), forreleasably securing the faceplate to the game piece. In still otherembodiments, the hard plastic faceplate may a shape that removably snapsfits together with the game piece. In still other embodiments, thefaceplate may be shaped to fit particular aspects of a game piece.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages orfeatures will be embodied in any particular embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings and the associated descriptions are provided toillustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit thescope of the claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa game piece with a protective cover and faceplates.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a protective cover for the six-sideddie of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A illustrates one side of an embodiment of the faceplate of FIG.1A.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second side of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates an embodiment of a user changeable indicator for afaceplate.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded assembly view of an embodiment of a gamepiece, faceplates and a protective cover.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded assembly view of an embodiment offaceplates and a protective cover.

FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of faceplatesand a protective cover.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of embodiment of a game piece, protectivecover, and faceplates with faceplate changing aids.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a game piece, protective cover, andfaceplates for a tetrahedron die.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a game piece, protective cover, andfaceplates for an octahedron die.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a game piece, protective cover, andfaceplates for a dodecahedron die.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a game piece, protective cover, andfaceplates for an icosahedron die.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a configurable game pieceand protective barrier between an object against which a game piece cancome into contact and the game piece itself. Allowing a user toconfigure a game piece can allow, for example, enhanced game play,customizable appearance, adaptability to different games, and otherfunctions. Game pieces can be configured according to embodimentsdescribed herein, for example, by changing faceplates, protectivecovers, other accessories, or the like. While disclosed generally withreference to a gaming die, an artisan will recognize from the disclosureherein that the embodiments of disclosure herein may advantageously beapplied to portions of other game pieces.

FIG. 1A represents an embodiment of a configured game piece 100 with aprotective cover 110 and faceplates 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1A, the game piece is a six sided gaming die. The faceplates 120illustrated in FIG. 1A include pips indicating unique numerical valuesfor each of the six sides. The protective cover or jacket 110 andfaceplates 120 can include additional features as more fully describedbelow. The protective cover 110 and jacket 120 can be used together insome embodiments, or used independently in other embodiments. In anembodiment, the configured game piece 100 is a gaming die with aprotective cover 110. In an embodiment, configured game piece 100 is agaming die with faceplates 120.

FIG. 1B represents a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.As shown, configured game piece 100 includes a game piece 102,protective cover 110, and faceplates 120. FIG. 1B also shows anembodiment of an attachment mechanism 150. Jacket 110 can cover at leasta portion of faceplates 120 to attach them to game piece 102 as shown byattachment mechanism 150. Faceplates 120 can also be attached to thegame piece 102 in a number of ways, including, for example, usingfeatures of the game piece 102 or jacket 110. The attachment can be, forexample, snap, friction, compression, magnetic, adhesive, or othersuitable attachment.

Embodiments of a configured game piece 100 need not include all of theelements shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In an embodiment, configured game piece110 includes a gaming die game piece 102 with a protective jacket 110.In an embodiment, configured game piece 110 includes a gaming die gamepiece with faceplates 120. In an embodiment, configured game piece 100is a protective jacket 110 and faceplates 120. Additional detailsregarding aspects of the configured game piece are disclosed below.

Protective Cover

Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide a protectivebarrier between an object against which a game piece may come intocontact and the game piece itself. While disclosed generally withreference to a die, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure hereinthat the protective barriers consistent with the disclosure herein mayadvantageously be applied to any edge or portion of any game piece.

A protective cover or jacket can surround at least a portion of a gamepiece. Protective covers can serve functions such as, for example,protecting game pieces, protecting other objects from game pieces,secure aspects or accessories to game pieces, altering the texture ofgame pieces, changing interaction of game pieces with surfaces, or othersuitable functions. In an embodiment, a protective cover protects a diefrom a roll surface. In an embodiment, a protective cover protects aroll surface. In an embodiment, a protective cover secures an accessoryto a game piece. In an embodiment, a protective cover includes atexture, pattern, or material that allows the game piece to beidentified by touch or sight. In an embodiment, a protective cover for adie changes the roll characteristics of the game piece.

A protective cover can be sized to fit existing game pieces, custom gamepieces, or can provide structure for a game piece. In an embodiment, aprotective cover is sized to fit an existing die.

The fit of the protective cover can be loose, tight, or loose in somedimensions while being tight in other dimensions. One or more portionsof the protective cover can stretch, for example, to allow theprotective cover to be placed on a game piece. The protective cover canbe soft, medium, or hard. In an embodiment, the protective cover issofter than the game piece. In an embodiment, the protective cover isharder than a game surface. In an embodiment, the protective cover issofter than a game surface. The protective cover can have uniform orvarying thickness. In an embodiment, a protective cover is uniformlythick. In an embodiment, a protective cover is thicker above game pieceedges.

Embodiments of the protective cover disclosed herein can be disposableper use, can be adapted for long term application, can comprise apliable jacket, can comprise a harder plastic cover, can be of anymaterial such as, without limitation, wood, metal, plastic, cardboard,glass, fabric or leather can comprise multiple components, can betransparent to allow the original finish of the game piece to be visibleor be colored, can be assembled by the user, combinations of the same orthe like. It will be apparent to an artisan from the disclosure hereinthat a large number of different shaped protective covers can be appliedto, for example, a game piece. For example, a pliable protective jacketcan be stretched over the game piece. Alternatively, a harder plasticcover may be hingably applied, can comprise multiple components thatsnap fit together, or the like. In various embodiments, the protectivecover comprises a transparent material providing view of the finish ofthe game piece.

FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of a protective cover 200. As shown inFIG. 2, protective cover 200 includes an outside surface 210, one ormore recesses 220, and an inside surface 230. As shown in the embodimentof FIG. 2, the cover 200 surrounds one or more edges or extremities ofthe game piece. An artisan will recognize from the disclosure hereinthat an extremity, protrusion, or other feature of the game piece, forexample, are some of many places that are subject to wear and primepositions to apply the protective cover 200, even though the cover 200is illustrated for convenience as applied to a die. In an embodiment,protective cover 200 includes rounded edges and corners 240. In anembodiment, protective cover 200 is a rubber protective jacket. In anembodiment, a protective cover 200 encourages better rolling by, forexample, increasing the grip on a rolling surface. In an embodiment, aprotective cover 200 approximately maintains the center of gravity ofthe game piece. In an embodiment, a protective cover 200 includes raisededges. In an embodiment, raised edges on a protective cover surrounds agame piece with three dimensional surface features.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 200 comprises six sides and a top surface,forming a substantially cubical shape having a open sides 220 foraccepting a protruding edges of a game piece, such as, for example, agaming die. The cover 200 may advantageously comprise a pliable materialenabling it to stretch and pull over a particular edge. Moreover, thecover 200 may advantageously be pre-shaped or capable of shaping by theuser, such as tape from a roll into a shape generic to a wide variety ofgame pieces, into a shape generic to a series or a plurality of seriesof game pieces, into a shape generic for a manufacturer or a pluralityof manufactures, into a shape specific to a particular game piece, orgame piece portion, combinations of the same or the like.

Outside surface 210 and inside surface 230 can be constructed fromdissimilar materials or have different characteristics. For example,outside surface 210 may be a softer material than inside surface 230. Inan embodiment, the outside surface 210 material is advantageously chosento protect objects other than the game piece. In an embodiment, theinside surface 230 is advantageously chosen to protect the game piece.In an embodiment, protective cover 200 comprises a substantiallytransparent material. In an embodiment, protective cover 200 comprises asubstantially translucent material.

In an embodiment, aspects outside surface 210 or inside surface 230 areadvantageously selected for roll performance on a smooth surface. In anembodiment, aspects of outside surface 210 are advantageously selectedfor roll performance on a rough surface. Outside surface 210 and insidesurface 230 of protective cover 200 also can be reversible. In anembodiment, protective cover 200 is reversible. In an embodiment,outside surface 210 is a different color than inside surface 230. In anembodiment, aspects of outside surface 210 are advantageously selectedfor roll performance on a surface while aspects of inside surface 230are selected for roll performance on another surface.

One or more recesses 220 provide a view of the game piece. Recess 220can be an opening that exposes portions of the game piece. In anembodiment, recess 220 comprises a substantially transparent material.In an embodiment, recess 220 comprises a substantially translucentmaterial. In an embodiment, a jacket for a die includes a recess 220 foreach face. In an embodiment, recess 220 is a cavity that exposesportions of a game piece. In an embodiment, recess 220 is a cutout. Inan embodiment, one or more of the recesses 220 are comprised ofdifferent colors than the outside surface 210. In an embodiment, recess220 is comprised of a different material than outside surface 210. In anembodiment, protective cover 200 includes indicia for alignment with agame piece, faceplates, or other accessories.

Protective cover 200 can include rounded edges and corners 240. Roundededges and corners 240 can, for example, help protect the game piece ornearby objects from damage. The edges and corners 240 can be made of amaterial advantageously selected to provide protection to high wear orcontact areas of the game piece. In an embodiment, edges and corners 240comprise additional thickness. In an embodiment, edges and corners 240are comprised of a material different from the remaining portions ofprotective cover 200.

The cover 200 may advantageously comprise a shape and a material that isapplied to the game piece in a disposable, semi-permanent, or evenpermanent manner. For example, the cover 200 may advantageously comprisea pliable plastic that can be stretched to form fit over the game piece.In other embodiments, the cover 200 may advantageously be customized toa particular taste, to a particular shape, color, pattern, material,suited to protect a different portion of the game piece, or combinationthereof. In an embodiment, when the cover 200 is scratched or damaged,the cover 200 is advantageously discarded and another cover could beapplied. The materials chosen for any aspect of protective cover 200 canalso be advantageously chosen for other properties, such as, forexample, to be substantially transparent to wireless signals that couldbe sent from or received by the game piece.

As shown, the cover 200 can be secured through, for example, a frictionfit, such that any wear will occur to the cover 200 as opposed to theextremity of the game piece. The cover 200 can also be secured using,for example, example hook-and-loop materials, snaps, buckles, bumps,velcro, an adhesive or the like.

Although disclosed as a jacket for a particular die, an artisan willrecognize form the disclosure herein that the cover 200 mayadvantageously be fitted to protect a smaller portion, corner, curve,surface, protrusion, or the like, or be capable of protecting largerportions or surfaces, or even entire game pieces. The cover 200 can alsobe comprised of multiple pieces.

Faceplates

One or more faceplates can provide further functionality of the gamepieces described in the present disclosure. Faceplates can servefunctions such as, for example, protecting game pieces, protecting otherobjects from game pieces, secure aspects or accessories to game pieces,altering the texture of game pieces, changing interaction of game pieceswith surfaces, or other suitable functions. Faceplates can allow gamepieces to have different themes or styles. Players can swap them out forother to adapt game pieces to additional games.

For example, a six-sided die normally includes six faces. By providingremovably attachable plates to the six faces, additional facepossibilities become possible. A removable faceplate can, for example,have different indicators on each side. The reversibility of certainembodiments of the faceplates can provide additional aspects of gameplay. The faceplates can contain different themes for different games ondifferent sides. Game play can involve using both sides of a faceplate.For example, a user could change side of a faceplate based on game playresults or actions. In an embodiment, faceplates can keep track ofplayer states. In one popular game, Trivial Pursuit®, players keep trackof whether they have met a certain goal by filling in one or more piecesof a pie. Faceplates could, for example, track a player's state in asimilar manner.

Reversible faceplates on a die can have the same image on one side andunique images on a second side. In some games, game play could beginwith the common images showing on each die face. Based on game play or aplayer decision, a choice could be made whether to reveal the hiddenunique image on the second side of faceplate.

FIG. 3A represents an embodiment of a faceplate 300. A first side 310 isshown with pip indicators in the embodiment of FIG. 3A. The first side310 can include indicators such as, for example, markings, numbers,symbols, colors, points, lines, pictures, illustrations, logos,characters, words, graphics, electronics, light emitting diodes, liquidcrystal displays, other representations, combinations of the foregoing,or the like. FIG. 3B represents a second side 320 of a faceplate 300.The second side 320 can also include indicators as described for thefirst side 310. The indicators on the second side 320 can be the same asor different from the indicators on the first side 310. In anembodiment, the first side 310 has different indicators from the secondside 320. In an embodiment, the first side 310 indicators are pips. Inan embodiment, the markings on the first side 310 are substantiallysimilar to the markings on the second side 320. In an embodiment, thecolor of an indicator on the first side 310 is different from a color ofan indicator on a second side 320. In an embodiment, the indicators onthe first side 310 are pips and the indicators on the second side 320are symbols. The faceplates can include three dimensional features, suchas, for example, 3D pictures, molded pieces, raised pieces, combinationsof the previous, or the like. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes athree dimensional feature. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes athree dimensional feature that does not substantially protrude from aprotective cover. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes a threedimensional feature that is less than or equal to the height of aprotective cover. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes non-flataspects on at least one side.

FIG. 3C represents another embodiment of a faceplate 300. Faceplate 300can include user changeable accessory 350. Accessory 350 can include,for example, stickers, labels, inserts, magnets, or the like. In anembodiment, accessory 350 is a plastic insert. In an embodiment,accessory 350 is a sticker. In an embodiment, accessory 350 isconfigurable by a user. In an embodiment, accessory 350 is a computerprinted label. Accessory 350 can removably attach to one or more sidesof faceplate 300. In an embodiment, different accessories are used oneach side of a faceplate 300. In an embodiment, accessory 350 is adaptedto receive user marking.

The faceplates 300 can also have indicia, for example, to aid inalignment or to identify the portions of a game piece with which theyshould be associated. The indicia can be, for example, mechanicalinterfaces, alphanumerical identifiers, shapes, colors, patterns,magnetic attraction, fittings, sizes, or other suitable indicia. In anembodiment, faceplate 300 includes an alphanumeric identifier of acorresponding die side. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 includes amechanical interface for identifying a corresponding die side. In anembodiment, faceplate 300 is shaped to fit a particular aspect of a gamepiece. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 has a colored edge to identify acorresponding aspect of a game piece. In an embodiment, faceplate 300has a shaped corner that corresponds to an aspect of a game piece.

Faceplate 300 can also have features that allow underlying game piecesto interact with other objects. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 includesa pass through for charging an electronic game piece. In an embodiment,faceplate 300 is substantially transparent at radio frequencies. In anembodiment, faceplate 300 is advantageously made of a material thatallows inductive charging of an electronic game piece.

Although the faceplates 300 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C aresubstantially symmetrical and square, the faceplates can be shapes suchas, for example, rectangles, circles, ellipses, polyhedrons, or othersuitable shapes including without limitation asymmetrical shapes.

Combination of Faceplates and Protective Covers

Faceplates and protective covers described herein can be used together.As previously discussed, protective covers can include features to helpattach or secure faceplates. Faceplates can also include features tohelp attach or secure protective covers.

FIG. 4A represents an exploded view of an embodiment of a customizedgaming piece 400. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4A includes a game piececore 402. When assembled, the embodiment of a customized game piece 400shown in FIG. 4A will be a six sided die. The die includes sixfaceplates: a first 410, second 420, third 430, fourth 440, fifth 450,and sixth 460 (collectively faceplates). As previously discussed, eachof the faceplates has two sides which can be user changed. Game piececore 402 can have indicia for matching or aligning faceplates. In anembodiment, game piece core 402 is a six-sided gaming die. In anembodiment, indicia for matching faceplates are pips on the game piececore 402. In an embodiment, indicia for matching faceplates are numbersprinted on the game piece core 402. In an embodiment, indicia formatching faceplates are colors. In an embodiment, indicia for aligningfaceplates are shapes.

Game piece core 402 can be designed specifically to receive faceplates(410, 420, 430, 440, 450, and 460) and/or a jacket or protective cover480. Game piece core 402 can also be an existing game piece notspecifically designed to receive faceplates and protective covers. In anembodiment, game piece core 402 is a gaming die. In an embodiment, gamepiece core 402 is housing. Game piece core 402 can also include featuresto help secure faceplates and/or jackets 480. Features that might helpsecure faceplates and/or jackets include cavities, pockets, recesses,edges, magnets, metals, snaps, fittings, hook and loop tape, adhesives,combinations of the preceding, or the like. In an embodiment, faceplatessnap fit into game piece core 402. In an embodiment, faceplates aremagnetically attached to game piece core 402. In an embodiment, edges ofa game piece core 402 secure game piece cover 480.

In an embodiment, to assemble a customized game piece 400, a userattaches faceplates and jacket 480. The attachment order can depend onspecific aspects of the design of one or more of the features ofcustomized game piece 400. In an embodiment, a user stretches at leastone side of jacket 480 to insert game piece core 402. In an embodiment,faceplates are inserted within the jacket 480. In an embodiment, jacket480 is snap fit around game piece core 402.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a customized game piece 490.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the customized game piece 490 doesnot include a game piece core. In an embodiment, the structure for thecustomized game piece 490 is provided by the faceplates and/or jacket480. In an embodiment, jacket 480 forms the structure of game piece 490.Jacket 480 can include indicia for aligning or matching faceplates. Inan embodiment, jacket 480 includes numerical indicia for matchingfaceplates. In an embodiment, jacket 480 includes mechanical indicia formatching faceplates. In an embodiment, jacket 480 includes a rigidsupport structure and protective bumpers. In an embodiment, jacket 480is a plastic structure adapted to receive faceplates.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of assembled customized game piece ofthe types shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The embodiment of FIG. 4C shows afirst faceplate 410, second faceplate 420, and third faceplate 430 and ajacket 480. A user can change one or more of the faceplates aspreviously discussed. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes flexibleedges. In an embodiment, a faceplate includes flexible edges to help auser easily remove, flip, replace, or otherwise position the faceplate.When assembled as shown in FIG. 4C, the customized game piece is readyfor game play, such as, for example, being rolled or placed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a game piece 500 including a cover510, faceplate 520, game piece core 530, and one or more attachment aids540. Attachment aids 540 can, for example, allow a user to easily removefaceplate 520, secure jacket 510, or serve other suitable functions. Inan embodiment, attachment aids 540 are cavities. In an embodiment,cavities are sized to allow a user's finger or fingernail to grasp acorner of faceplate 520. In an embodiment, one or more attachment aids540 are located closer to the center of one or more edges of faceplate520.

Other Game Pieces

Although disclosed primarily with reference to six sided die, an artisanwill recognize from the disclosure herein that the faceplates andprotective covers can be adapted for used on a large number of gamepiece shapes and types. Some additional exemplary game pieces areidentified in FIGS. 6-9, although these additional game pieces are notintended to limit the disclosure to these shapes.

FIG. 6 represents an embodiment of a customized game piece 600 based ona tetrahedron shape. Customized game piece 600 can include a game piececore 610, protective cover 620, and faceplates 630 for a tetrahedrondie. In an embodiment, configured game piece 600 is a tetrahedron die.

FIG. 7 represents an embodiment of a customized game piece 700 based ona octahedron shape. Customized game piece 700 can include a game piececore 710, protective cover 720, and faceplates 730 for an octahedrondie. In an embodiment, configured game piece 700 is an octahedron die.

FIG. 8 represents an embodiment of a customized game piece 800 based ona dodecahedron shape. Customized game piece 800 can include a game piececore 810, protective cover 820, and faceplates 830 for a dodecahedrondie. In an embodiment, configured game piece 800 is a dodecahedron die.

FIG. 9 represents an embodiment of a customized game piece 900 based onan icosahedron shape. Customized game piece 900 can include a game piececore 910, protective cover 920, and faceplates 930 for an icosahedrondie. In an embodiment, configured game piece 900 is an icosahedron die.

Combination of Embodiments

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in terms of certainpreferred and alternative embodiments, other embodiments will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosureherein. One of skill in the art will recognize from the presentdisclosure that the previously disclosed embodiments are not to be readin isolation. Moreover, an artisan will recognize from the disclosureherein that features and advantages disclosed with respect to anyindividual embodiment may be applied individually or in any combinationto that disclosed embodiment or any other embodiment disclosed orrecognizable by the artisan. For example, the description of a sixsided, cubical die was meant as a descriptive aid. In an embodiment, theprotective cover and/or faceplates can be used with an electronic gamepiece. In an embodiment, the protective cover and/or faceplates can beused with an electronic die.

Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions andmodifications will be apparent to the artisan from the disclosureherein. It is contemplated that various aspects and features of thedisclosure described can be practiced separately, combined together, orsubstituted for one another, and that a variety of combination andsubcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fallwithin the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the systems describedabove need not include all of the modules and functions described in thepreferred embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is notlimited by the reaction of the preferred embodiments, but is to bedefined by reference to the appended claims.

Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent applicationsmentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference tothe same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

1. A configurable game piece comprising: one or more removablefaceplates configured to at least partially cover one or more side facesof a gaming die; and a pliable jacket applied over one or moreextremities of the gaming die wherein after application, wear or contactnormally occurring to the at least one or more extremities is at leastpartially absorbed by the pliable jacket.
 2. The configurable game pieceof claim 1, wherein the one or more faceplates comprise reversiblefaceplates.
 3. The configurable game piece of claim 2, wherein thereversible faceplates include a different indicator on each side.
 4. Theconfigurable game piece of claim 1, wherein the gaming die includesrecesses in its one or more outer surfaces adapted to receive the one ormore faceplates.
 5. The configurable game piece of claim 1, wherein thepliable jacket is configured to be stretched over one or moreextremities of the gaming die to form a friction fit over at least somesurfaces of the one or more extremities.
 6. The configurable game pieceof claim 1, wherein the pliable jacket comprises rubber.
 7. A protectivecover applied to a gaming die to reduce or prevent damage from contactwith other objects, the protective barrier comprising a pliable jacketconfigured to be stretched over one or more extremities of a gaming dieto form a friction fit over at least some surfaces of the one or moreextremities, wherein after application, wear or contact damage normallyoccurring to the at least some surfaces of the one or more extremitiesoccurs to or is at least partially absorbed by the pliable jacket. 8.The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the pliable cover comprises aremovable pliable cover.
 9. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein thepliable cover comprises a disposable pliable cover.
 10. The protectivecover of claim 7, wherein the pliable cover comprises a semi-permanentpliable cover.
 11. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the pliablecover comprises a flexible protective cover capable of being stretchedto fit the extremities of the die.
 12. The protective cover of claim 7,wherein the pliable jacket is configured to receive faceplates.
 13. Theprotective cover of claim 12, wherein the pliable jacket securesfaceplates.
 14. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the pliablejacket comprises a transparent material.
 15. The protective cover ofclaim 7, wherein the pliable jacket comprises at least one of colors,images, and designs.